Waterproofing House Foundation
Foundation wall waterproofing is essential to maximize the longevity of subsurface exterior structures, and the best foundation waterproofing method depends on achieving a single, continuous seal.
As a national leader in innovative sealing solutions, Deco has single-handedly enhanced the effectiveness of industrial-strength foundation waterproofing. Using our long-lasting, eco-friendly DECO 20 Seal formula, we’ll cover how to waterproof a foundation most effectively for long-term structural protection, both above and below the surface.
Why Waterproofing House Foundation Is Important
As water accumulates around a foundation, it exerts tremendous hydrostatic pressure. Over extended periods, a combination of fluid mechanics degrades the foundation. Preventing serious long-term damage thus requires foundation wall waterproofing to prevent water from gradually compromising structural integrity.
Without waterproofing, minor foundational defects become serious cracks, causing leaks and shifting a structure’s load. This leads to further issues, weakening the foundation’s load-bearing capacities. Foundation waterproofing prevents these problems from developing or, when present, limits their progression.
How to Waterproof House Foundation
Without hesitation, many construction industry veterans consider DECO 20 Seal the best foundation waterproofing method on the market. Not only is DECO 20 extremely effective, but it’s also very easy to apply. Here are step-by-step instructions to ensure an orderly and successful waterproofing project:
Step 1: Inspect the foundation’s interior for existing cracks or leaks.
Step 2: Excavate enough soil around the entire foundation to enable safe access and further evaluation.
Step 3: Prepare the foundation walls for waterproofing by removing mud and debris. DECO 20 Seal is specially formulated to adhere to damp foundation walls (and ICF forms).
Step 4: Apply DECO 20 Seal, keeping in mind these important equipment and technique pointers:
- Non-parged masonry walls require an initial coating of DECO Tac primer
- A 6 mil poly is not necessary with DECO 20 Seal
- Choose a day with clear weather and moderate temperature (at least 28° F and rising)
- For best effects, use an airless sprayer equipped with a #30 mesh pump filter and .531 or .631 spray tip
- Maintain a 1.5–2-gallon flow rate and 1,000–2,000 PSI
- Apply DECO 20 Seal using a side-to-side motion from the bottom up
- Proper sealcoat thickness, when wet, is 30 mil (about the thickness of a credit card); the thickness should be 18 mil, ± 3 mils, when dried
- A single application is perfectly acceptable, but two coatings may be necessary if the first doesn’t achieve the proper thickness.
- Allow DECO 20 Seal to cure before installing any other product or backfilling dirt fully.
Step 5: Ensure proper drainage around the foundation to prevent future water table issues. While the DECO 20 membrane is designed for the harshest conditions, preventing water accumulation is best for optimal results.
The Benefits of Waterproofing House Foundation
DECO 20 Seal achieves superior waterproofing and sealing for concrete (and brick) surfaces. An innovative, non-toxic, water/silicon-based formula penetrates the surface and creates an impenetrable membrane. Professionally applied DECO 20 Seal achieves many advantages over alternative waterproofing methods, such as:
- Prevents foundation decay and leaks due to nonstructural cracks
- Long-term protection from water damage, UV rays, mold, and water vapor
- Easy and fast application, potentially requiring a single coat
- It is a more affordable and effective solution than the alternatives
- Non-toxic formula approved by the International Code Council
- Tested to meet or exceed numerous ASTM and other technical standards
- A continuous, seam-free coating along the entire foundation surface
Trust Deco Products for Long-Lasting Waterproofing Solutions
Left to the elements, any foundation will inevitably succumb to various kinds of damage, including those directly caused or accelerated by standing water. Yet achieving the best foundation waterproofing possible is easier than ever with DECO 20 Seal’s advanced, non-toxic formula.
Deco Products is continually innovating commercial-grade sealing solutions that are at once:
- More affordable
- More effective
- Easier to apply
To learn more about how to waterproof foundations using DECO 20 Seal, contact us and speak with one of our dedicated sealing and waterproofing experts.